There are millions of working-age people in the United States who have disabilities. We are individuals that have the potential and ability to become part of the workforce as employees, independent contractors or business owners. There is no doubt that with adequate support, people with disabilities can reach their goals.

There are some employment supports in place. Some private businesses and government agencies are proactive and encourage disabled people's desire to work and their potential. Also, laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) help ensure equal treatment in the hiring process, and programs like Proyecto Visión help people with disabilties connect with quality employment opportunities. Some programs focus on trying to make the process fair for those of us who have a disability that makes it difficult to get a good job.

However, often times employers believe that disabled workers are not capable of doing work, or are not qualified. Employees with disabilities are not allowed the opportunity to prove they can do it.

Some people with disabilities do not have the opportunity to get an education or professional training. Also, many times people with disabilities are not familiar with, or do not have access to services. In other cases the services are not available due to lack of transportation or inaccessable buildings.

These obstacles keep people with disabilities from finding work that will allow them to have a life filled with dignity, to meet the needs of their families and to contribute to their economy and their country. The dearth of people with disabilities in the workforce is a great loss, not only for the people with disabilities and their families, but also for employers and for society as a whole, which is responsible for the active particiation of all its members.

Opportunity in OK

In the state of Oklahoma various public and private organizations are helping increase the active particiation of people with disabilities in society. This helps individuals overcome the barriers hindring access to employment. The organizations provide a variety of services including provision of advise and technical assistance; training and professional development, and access to contact information for companies and employers.

The Oklahoma Business Leadership Network (http://www.okbln.jobfit.com) and Oklahoma's Job Net (http://www.oesc.state.ok.us) are sources of information for work   opportunities in Oklahoma.

For job vacancies with government agencies in Oklahoma contact the Oklahoma State Office of Personnel Management 405-521-2171, TDD 405-521-6314. There also are groups such as the Galt Foundation whose mission is to provide and expand opportunities for people with disabilities and those facing other barriers to employment. http://www.galtfoundation.org/about/about.html

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